Skateboarding has evolved from a cool sport to a great means of transport, and now it is a part of the Olympic games. And if you have started your journey to becoming a skateboarding hero, you are probably finding it difficult to choose the right skateboard as a new rider.
As someone who started from zero and went on to become a skateboarding legend (well, in my own mind at least), I know a thing or two about finding the perfect board for beginners. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you and tested out the best skateboards for beginners, with a focus on boards that are easy to ride and control.
Trust me, these boards are so user-friendly, you’ll be feeling like a pro in no time. So, whether you are looking for a smooth ride or maximum stability, sit back, relax, and let me educate you on choosing the right board to start riding.
Here is a list of the best skateboards for beginners in 2024 with their qualities and prices. These complete skateboards are suggested by professionals and the skateboarding community. New members of our skateboarding team also said that these are the easiest skateboards for adults to ride.
Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon is a high-quality complete skateboard at a cheap price. It is best suited for beginners and price-conscious advanced-level skateboarders. This board is durable and designed to practice tricks. It is a perfect skateboard for beginners adults who are looking for a quality board at an entry-level price.
Our team selected this board as the best among starter skateboards due to its well-built components. Each component is engineered and tested to ensure that it delivers high performance.
American professional skateboarder Steve Caballero states “I have attached my name to Powell Golden Dragon because I believe these birch skateboards are perfect for beginners. You can’t beat the quality and price. My goal is to make sure that new young skaters around the world get an opportunity to experience the joy that comes from being able to roll, turn, drop in, and do tricks, so they will enjoy skateboarding enough to continue on in the sport.”
The deck is made in China using maple veneer and AirLam presses
Deck size: 31.625″ x 7.625″
K12 concave style with 126 shape, ideal to perform tricks
13.75″ wheelbase; 54mm x 37mm diameter polyurethane wheels with 99a hardness level, strong and provide great stability
7.625-inch aluminum trucks with embossed Powell Golden Dragon logo
Our team selected this board as the best among starter skateboards due to its well-built components. Each component is engineered and tested to ensure that it delivers high performance.
A verified purchaser at Amazon “Joshua Fairbanks” says, “It’s a Great Deal for Determined Learners – I’ve beat the heck out of this board learning how to fail 99.5% but never give up. After a couple of years I replaced the deck due to sharptails and the pop had died down. Amazingly, I am still using the same trucks and wheel bearings. The latter I have removed, cleaned and reoiled many times. With countless failures to Ollie up concrete curbs I cannot believe the trucks still perform. They are not the lightest thing around but they are of great value for learners. You don’t have to worry about them falling apart or need to cry when they look gnarly from abuse.”
Element is known as the most reliable skateboard brand for beginners and their Section series is the easiest to ride. This board is suitable for all skating levels, beginners to advance.
If you are new to skateboarding, we recommend choosing the element section complete board due to its classic design and having all the basic features you need in a skateboard. It is a durable, recognizable and well-reputed board in the skateboarding community.
Main Features:
The deck is made of 100% maple wood held together with epoxy glue
Deck size: 32″ x 8″
Slight concave provides well-balanced control, double kicktail design makes it perfect to perform tricks
14″ wheelbase, 52mm diameter graphics wheels with 95a hardness
5.25″ element brand trucks
Abec-5 bearings to ensure smooth rides
Pre-installed grip tape on top of the board
Element section skateboards are well-built with best suited quality components. This series is beginners friendly, lightweight and easy to ride.
Magneto SUV (Skate Utility Vehicle) is the most versatile skateboard. We recommend it for beginners because it can be used in streets, parks, pump tracks, skating bowls, and even downhill.
Moreover, its wide deck makes it ideal for transition and cruising. Responsive wheels ensure steady rides over rough surfaces. So, if you are new to skating, this complete skateboard is best to ride and learn on every type of skating track.
Main Features:
The deck is constructed with 7 layers of high quality Canadian maple wood to ensure durability and flex
Deck size: 31″ x 8.5″
Medium concave with a kicktail design makes it suitable to perform skating tricks
14″ wheelbase, 60 x 40mm large Urethane wheels with 78a hardness. These wheels are soft and responsive – good to ride on a pebbled ground
140mm high-quality gravity cast aluminum trucks, extremely durable for any type of ride
Abec-5 bearings to enhance the riding experience
Pre-installed grip tape to ensure firm standing
The deck is a little wider which provides enough room to stand comfortably. We recommend it for beginners because of its good flex, soft and responsive wheels that make it suitable to ride on all terrains.
enjoi is famous for producing durable skateboards which are good for the streets. Their decks are the strongest among skateboarding brands, rock-solid, and designed to survive hard rides.
enjoi boards are easy to control which makes it good for beginners to learn tricks and riding skills. Best of all, this skateboard comes assembled and ready to ride out of the box.
The deck is made of 7-ply Canadian maple wood held together with an epoxy resin glue
Deck size: 31″ x 7.75″
Medium concave style with steep kicks
14″ wheelbase, 52mm high quality TGM wheels with 99a hardness, wheels have removable rubber shields
Lightweight and good grade aluminum trucks
Best quality Amphetamine Abec-5 bearings
We received the board completely assembled, but we had to re-tighten the trucks and wheels. It has good pop, a solid grip and it is easy to turn – best suited for beginners. However, we do not recommend it for pro-skaters!
WHOME is known for manufacturing all types of skateboards for beginners adults. The brand claims that its boards and accessories are of superior quality (very close).
The company has a dedicated team that ensures quality by testing each board from deck to wheels. We experienced its exceptional control and efficient braking.
Main Features:
The sturdy deck is manufactured with premium quality 8 layers of alpine maple wood
Pre-installed premium grip tape to ensure stability, optimum control, and strong grip while performing tricks
Deck size: 31″ x 8″ inch full size
Double kick concave style makes it suitable for learning and practicing skateboarding tricks like Ollies, kickflips, heelflips, and grinds, etc.
18-inch wheelbase, 53 x 36mm polyurethane wheels enhance the comfort, making it suitable for new and primary pro skaters
Solid A356 Aluminum alloy 5″ truck with moderate carbon steel shaft on the inside and electroplate outside;
High precision chrome steel bearings ABEC-9
We advise new skaters to go with WHOME complete skateboard because of its effortless controlling. It turns smooth because of the easily adjustable trucks. Having said that, heavy riders should avoid this board, the deck may snap while landing tricks.
If you are learning to perform flipping tricks or hitting the street for the first time – Cal 7 complete skateboard is the best choice to start with. This skateboard is versatile due to premium quality hardware and solid construction.
Each Cal 7 is designed considering starter and advanced level skaters. Best of all, their prices are relatively cheaper and fall in everyone’s budget range.
Main Features:
The deck is made of 100% 7- ply maple wood, highly durable and comes with pre-installed grip tape
Deck size: 31″ x 7.5″- 8″
Double kick style with medium concave – ideal for tricks
52mm polyurethane wheels with 99A hardness
Smooth carving due to 3mm riser pads and HR90A bushings
Already installed 5-inch strong aluminum trucks
Highly quality ABEC-7 stainless steel bearings
This is a kids-friendly skateboard. Its smooth wheels offer comfortable rides on flat streets but they aren’t good for bumpy rides. The bearings spin freely and great to learn skateboarding.
Beleev skateboards are fun to ride and designed to keep everyday skaters in mind. If you are a beginner and planning to cruise around in the streets, this board is the right choice.
It offers great comfort while learning tricks along with providing smooth rides. It is compact, strong and exceptionally lightweight to carry around easily.
Main Features:
The deck is made of 7-layers of Canadian maple wood, 10mm thick, very strong and durable
Deck size: 31″ x 8″
Slight concave design with double kick allows you to control it better and enhances easier braking
Anti-slip 55mm Polyurethane wheels with 95a hardness, these are wear-resistant and highly rebound with a strong grip
ABEC-7 precision bearings for high speed and superior shock absorption
The board is equipped with 5-inch heavy-duty aluminum alloy trucks, ensuring reliable riding for beginners and pro skaters
This board is lightweight and rolls quietly. It is a great option for newbies at a bargain price. The board is well built, fast and smooth. We highly recommend it for early teens, beginners and experienced skaters.
Santa Cruz Jackpot Hand is designed for all-level skateboarders, especially for beginners to learn tricks. This high-quality board is available at an affordable price and serves you from entry-level to advanced skating.
So, if you are new to skating and keen to learn beginner skateboard tricks, we recommend the Santa Cruz Jackpot Hand board. The best part is, you won’t need another board once you learn how to ride and perform tricks – this board will serve you at an advanced level too.
Main Features:
The deck is manufactured with 7-ply strong maple wood, sturdy and highly durable
Deck size: 8.25″ x 31.5″
The deck has a standard popsicle shape with a medium concave
14″ wheelbase, 53mm OJ Wheels with 95a hardness level
ABEC-5 bearings ensure fast smooth rides on a downhill
Super sturdy 5.5″ bullet trucks make the turns easier, and no-slip axle
Speaking of the experience, this board is suitable for almost every type of skateboarding due to its great shape. It is sturdy, well-built and somehow provides confidence to the rider. However, I had to replace the bushing because they were too soft for me.
Magneto Mini Cruiser is one of the most selling skateboards online and it is listed as “Amazon’s Choice”. Its basic design ensures smooth cruising and double kicks make it easier to perform tricks. Compact skateboard, easy to carry around and good for everyday skating.
It is basic and best for beginners and kids to learn. Once you know how to ride, you’ll probably look for an upgrade.
Main Features:
The deck is made of 6-ply Canadian maple wood held together strongly to ensure strength, top features a sanded grit for extra grip
Deck size: 27.5 x 7.5
Double kicktail surf design makes it good to perform tricks and surfing
18″ wheelbase, 60mm x 51mm high rebound urethane wheels with 78a hardness
5-inch gravity cast aluminum trucks, super durable and sturdy
Magneto ABEC-5 bearings ensure a smooth riding experience
This classic looking short board is portable and super fun to ride. It comes pre-assembled, seems to be built well, however, I had to change the bearings for a smoother riding experience. It is super light and good for carving around the neighborhood.
Hiboy Alpha skateboards are designed to learn new tricks. This high-quality build board is a good choice to present as a gift to promote sports. The brand emphasizes stability and easy to control for beginners to find it easy to ride and learn quickly.
Be mindful of the fact that our skateboarding team rated Hiboy Alpha as the cheapest skateboard for beginners, it is easy to ride and delivers great performance.
Main Features:
The deck is made of 7-ply Canadian maple wood, perfect flex and durability
Deck size: 31″ x 8″
Slight concave design with a double kicktail makes it easier to control while performing tricks
54mm — 37mm PU wheels offer speedy rides without compromising on stability
Abec-11 bearings ensure smooth rides and convenient control
5-inch heavy-duty aluminum alloy trucks for ideal support and to offer an enjoyable riding experience
Pre-installed grip tape with attractive prints to enhance looks and provide good traction
It is one of the most in-expensive skateboards that are beginners friendly and ideal for riding and carving. But, because of its thicker deck and weight, we do not recommend it for learning tricks.
Complete Guide to Buy the Best Skateboard for Beginners
As a newbie to skateboarding, you might be wondering what is the best skateboard for a beginner. Well, it all depends on what you are going to use a board. Are you going to use it for every day commuting to school or the office? Or do you want to learn some tricks and have fun in the streets and parks?
Buying a skater skateboard is exciting but challenging too. Skateboards serve differently depending upon various factors. Thus, it is essential for a beginner to understand what features they should consider before buying a skateboard.
a. Deck Size and Shape
Deck size depends on the height and the size of the shoe. If you wear shoes from 7-inch to 9-inch (USA), we would suggest picking a deck that is 7.5-inch to 8.5-inch.
On the other hand, if your shoe size is bigger than 9 inches, recommended deck’s width is 8.5 inches to 10 inches. Expert skaters advise picking a wider board, more space to stand on and easiest to ride as a beginner.
The deck shape depends on the type of skateboarding you are going to perform. Cruiser, Popsicle, and Pintail shape skateboards are good for commuting. And, if you are planning to perform tricks, we suggest choosing a Popsicle shape deck with double kicktails.
Read an in-depth guide about skateboard decks and choose what will suit you best as a beginner according to your body type and needs.
b. Wheels
Wheels determine the speed of a skateboard. Small wheels make the board run slower, and large wheels are used for fast speedy rides. As a beginner, you should go for a set of medium-sized wheels that have a diameter between 52mm to 54mm.
Also, consider the hardness of the wheels using a durometer – it should be between 90a to 99a. Wheels are the second most important part of a skateboard, make decisions wisely to enjoy rides.
Medium-sized wheels will not require raiser pads also. Raiser pads sit beneath the truck and ensure a smooth turn of the skateboard while speeding. Since you are not going to ride that fast in the initial stages, there is no need for raiser pads.
Trucks are also important to consider as they help with a balanced ride. Wheels will run smoothly to provide a comfortable ride if trucks are properly aligned. Pick a set of trucks that fits the deck size.
The axle length of the truck must match the width of the truck, or be a bit shorter – but it must not be out of the deck.
d. Bearings & Bolts
Every part including hardware is essential to think about before making the final choice. Bolts are going to fix the truck with the deck, and bearings help the wheels to spin. We recommend choosing bearings with a standard inner diameter of 8mm.
Keep in mind, always pay attention to the hardness of bearings ABEC-5 to ABEC-9 bearings are considered to be good for beginners.
e. Reliable Skateboard Brand
It all comes down to reliability. Skateboarding is fun but there are high chances of injuries. So, it is better to purchase a skateboard made by a reliable brand that ensures durability and functionality.
As a beginner, it is difficult to balance the board while performing tricks, resulting in breaking the deck. Hence, we recommend buying from the best skateboard brands that ensure durability to prevent injuries.
It is always difficult for a beginner to make choice in any sport. One needs to rely on others and sometimes test a few products before making a decision. The journey from being a beginner skateboarder to an intermediate is hard, it requires balance and a lot of focus. However, it can be exciting if you have the right skateboard beneath your feet.
We have explained the pros and cons of the top ten skateboards for beginners. A board that you think is below average might be the best skateboard for someone else. No doubt it would be difficult to decide, or perhaps go with our recommendation.
Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon is our first choice as a starter skateboard for adults. We found it very easy to control while riding.
Element Section Skateboard is reliable, durable and easiest to ride – you will quickly learn how to balance a board.
Beleev Skateboard is one of the best-selling starter skateboards that is also being tagged as “Amazon’s Choice”. It is especially designed for kids and beginner adult skateboarders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best skateboard for a beginner?
Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon is the best skateboard for a beginner. A list of the best skateboards for beginners is below;
Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon
Element Section Skateboard
Magneto SUV Complete Skateboard
enjoi Skateboard
WHOME Pro
Cal 7 Complete Skateboard
Beleev Skateboard
Santa Cruz Jackpot Hand
Magneto Mini Cruiser
Hiboy Alpha
What is the best skateboard brand for beginners?
Beleev is the best skateboard brand for beginners. The company mainly focuses on manufacturing boards for beginners that are easy to ride and learn on. The best skateboard brands for beginners are;
Beleev
Powell Golden Dragon
Element
enjoi
Cal 7
Santa Cruz
Magneto
Hiboy
Whome
Minority
What is the best skateboard to learn on?
WHOME Pro is the best skateboard to learn on. We experienced the best controls and braking system that makes it good for beginner skaters.
Which skateboard is easiest to ride?
Element Section is known as the easiest skateboard to ride. It is a reliable brand and famous for making boards for all-level skaters. Whether you are starting with this sport or a professional who wants to polish his/her skills, we recommend the Element section because it is the easiest to ride and control.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
Deck size depends on the height and the size of the shoe. If you wear shoes from 7-inch to 9-inch (USA), we would suggest picking a deck that is 7.5-inch to 8.5-inch.
Wheels determine the speed of a skateboard. Small wheels make the board run slower, and large wheels are used for fast speedy rides. As a beginner, you should go for a set of medium-sized wheels that have a diameter between 52mm to 54mm.
Trucks are also important to consider as they help with a balanced ride. Wheels will run smoothly to provide a comfortable ride if trucks are properly aligned. Pick a set of trucks that fits the deck size.
Every part including hardware is essential to think about before making the final choice. Bolts are going to fix the truck with the deck, and bearings help the wheels to spin. We recommend choosing bearings with a standard inner diameter of 8mm.
It all comes down to reliability. Skateboarding is fun but there are high chances of injuries. So, it is better to purchase a skateboard made by a reliable brand that ensures durability and functionality.
